History of Boston in Timeline

Boston, the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts, is the cultural and financial hub of New England. With a population of 675,647 in 2020, it ranks as the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States. The Greater Boston metropolitan area, home to 4.9 million residents as of 2023, is the largest in New England and the eleventh-largest nationally. The city covers an area of 48.4 square miles (125 square kilometers).

1901: Boston Red Sox Founding Member of American League

In 1901, the Boston Red Sox became a founding member of the American League of Major League Baseball.

1903: First Modern World Series

In 1903, Boston was the site of the first game of the first modern World Series, between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1906: Construction of the Longfellow Bridge

The Longfellow Bridge was built in Boston in 1906.

July 4, 1911: Record High Temperature

On July 4, 1911, Boston recorded its record high temperature of 104 °F (40 °C).

1911: Beaneaters Team Name Until 1911

Boston's first professional baseball team was the Red Stockings, one of the charter members of the National Association in 1871, and of the National League in 1876. The team played under that name until 1883, under the name Beaneaters until 1911.

1912: Fenway Park Built

In 1912, Fenway Park was built and is the oldest active sports arena or stadium in the US.

1912: Opening of Fenway Park

In 1912, Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, opened.

1912: Annexation of Hyde Park

In 1912, the city of Boston annexed Hyde Park.

1916: MIT Moves to Cambridge

In 1916, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) moved from Boston across the river to Cambridge.

December 30, 1917: Record Cold Daily Maximum Temperature

On December 30, 1917, the record cold daily maximum temperature of 2 °F (−17 °C) was recorded in Boston.

September 8, 1923: Opening of Logan International Airport

Logan International Airport opened on September 8, 1923.

1928: Opening of the Boston Garden

The Boston Garden in Boston opened in 1928.

January 1930: John C. Hull Appointed Securities Director

In January 1930, Frank G. Allen, the Governor of Massachusetts, appointed John C. Hull as the first Securities Director of Massachusetts.

May 4, 1932: Hull Introduces Bill for Revision of Securities Law

On May 4, 1932, John C. Hull introduced a bill to the committee on Banks and Banking in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for revision and simplification of the law relative to the sale of securities (Chapter 110A).

1933: Drafting of Securities Act of 1933

In 1933, Harvard professors Felix Frankfurter, Benjamin V. Cohen and James M. Landis drafted the Securities Act.

February 9, 1934: Record Low Temperature

On February 9, 1934, Boston recorded its record low temperature of −18 °F (−28 °C).

November 15, 1934: Joseph Kennedy Sr. Speaks to Boston Chamber of Commerce

On November 15, 1934, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. spoke before the Boston Chamber of Commerce regarding securities and the potential for fraud.

1952: Braves Move to Milwaukee

The team played under that name until 1883, under the name Beaneaters until 1911, and under the name Braves from 1912 until they moved to Milwaukee after the 1952 season.

1953: Construction of Columbia Point Public Housing Complex

The Columbia Point public housing complex was built in 1953.

1957: Lowest Temperature Reading since 2023

In 1957, Boston had its lowest temperature reading until February 4, 2023.

1957: Establishment of the Boston Redevelopment Authority

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) was established in 1957.

1958: BRA Initiates West End Project

In 1958, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) initiated a project to improve the historic West End neighborhood, resulting in extensive demolition and displacement.

1960: Founding of the Boston Patriots

In 1960, the New England Patriots were founded as the Boston Patriots. This marked the beginning of the team's history, though they later relocated and changed their name.

1965: Opening of Columbia Point Health Center

In 1965, the Columbia Point Health Center, the first Community Health Center in the United States, opened in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston.

1966: Braves Move to Atlanta

Since 1966 they have played in Atlanta as the Atlanta Braves.

1971: Patriots relocate to Foxborough

In 1971, the Boston Patriots relocated to suburban Foxborough. After the move, the team changed their name to the New England Patriots.

1974: Conflict Over Desegregation Busing

Starting in 1974, Boston experienced conflict over desegregation busing, resulting in unrest and violence around public schools throughout the mid-1970s.

August 2, 1975: Record Warm Daily Minimum Temperature

On August 2, 1975, the record warm daily minimum temperature of 83 °F (28 °C) was recorded in Boston.

1984: Redevelopment of Columbia Point Complex Begins

The redevelopment and revitalization of the Columbia Point complex into the mixed-income residential development Harbor Point Apartments began in 1984.

1990: High Murder Rate in Boston

In 1990, Boston had 152 murders, resulting in a murder rate of 26.5 per 100,000 people.

1990: Rededication of Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center

In 1990, the Columbia Point Health Center was rededicated as the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center.

1991: Publication of The Improper Bostonian

In 1991, The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, began publication.

1991: Start of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project

The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, began in 1991.

1993: Acquisition of The Boston Globe by The New York Times

In 1993, The Boston Globe was acquired by The New York Times.

1999: "Boston Miracle" results in low murder rate

In 1999, murders in Boston dropped to 31, resulting in a murder rate of 5.26 per 100,000 people. This was partially credited to the "Boston Miracle".

2000: Boston Becomes Majority Minority

In 2000, the population of non-Hispanic Whites in Boston decreased to 49.5%, marking the first time the city became majority minority.

2001: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, the New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI.

2003: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVIII

In 2003, the New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII.

2004: Acquisition of FleetBoston Financial by Bank of America

In 2004, Boston-based FleetBoston Financial was acquired by Charlotte-based Bank of America.

2004: Red Sox Win World Series

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series and the New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX.

2004: Patriots win Super Bowl

In 2004, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl, marking one of their championship seasons.

2006: Founding of The Rainbow Times

In 2006, The Rainbow Times, the only minority and lesbian-owned LGBT news magazine, was founded. It is now based out of Boston and serves all of New England.

2006: Non-Hispanic Whites regain Majority

In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that non-Hispanic Whites in Boston had regained a slight majority due to gentrification.

2007: First Climate Action Plan Commissioned

In 2007, Boston commissioned its first climate action plan covering carbon reduction.

2007: Red Sox Win World Series

In 2007, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series.

2007: Completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project

In 2007, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, was completed in Boston after many delays and cost overruns.

2008: American Community Survey's Five-Year Estimates

Data from the American Community Survey's five-year estimates (2008–2012).

2008: Celtics Win NBA Championship

In 2008, the Boston Celtics won the NBA championship.

2009: Christian Science Monitor ends daily print publication

In 2009, The Christian Science Monitor, headquartered in Boston, ceased publishing daily print editions. It transitioned to continuous online and weekly magazine format publications.

2010: Catholic Church Adherents in Greater Boston

As of 2010, the Catholic Church had the highest number of adherents as a single denomination in the Greater Boston area, with more than two million members and 339 churches.

2010: Non-White Population Rebounds

By 2010, the non-White population in Boston rebounded, influenced by the housing crash, affordable housing initiatives, and increased Latin American and Asian populations. U.S. Census statistics indicated a non-Hispanic White population of 47%.

2010: Boston Population Increase

In the 2020 census, Boston was estimated to have a 12% population increase over 2010.

July 2011: Launch of Bluebikes bikeshare program

In late July 2011, the bikeshare program Bluebikes, originally called Hubway, was launched in Boston. PBSC Urban Solutions provides bicycles and technology for the system.

2011: Climate Action Plan Update Released

An updated version of Boston's climate action plan was released in 2011.

2011: Tourism Spending in Boston

In 2011, Boston saw 21.2 million domestic and international visitors who spent $8.3 billion.

2011: Bruins Win Stanley Cup

In 2011, the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup.

2011: Low Snowfall Winter

The winter of 2011-12 in Boston saw only 9.3 in (23.6 cm) of accumulating snow.

2012: American Community Survey's Five-Year Estimates

Data from the American Community Survey's five-year estimates (2008–2012).

2012: Elizabeth Warren Elected to US Senate

Democrat Elizabeth Warren was first elected as the state's senior member of the United States Senate in 2012.

2012: American Community Survey Data

From 2012 to 2016, the American Community Survey provides estimates of ancestry groups in Boston.

April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon Bombing

On April 15, 2013, two Chechen Islamist brothers detonated bombs near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring roughly 264, leading to a lockdown of Boston and surrounding municipalities.

2013: Boston Households and Philanthropy

As of 2013, Boston households provided the highest average rate of philanthropy in the nation.

2013: Ed Markey Elected to US Senate

Democrat Ed Markey was elected in 2013 to succeed John Kerry as the state's junior member of the United States Senate.

2013: NIH Grants for Greater Boston Research

Hospitals, universities, and research institutions in Greater Boston received more than $1.77 billion in National Institutes of Health grants in 2013.

2013: Introduction of the Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive

In 2013, Mayor Thomas Menino introduced the Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive to reduce the cost of living in energy-efficient buildings.

2013: Resale of The Boston Globe to John W. Henry

In 2013, The New York Times resold The Boston Globe to Boston businessman John W. Henry.

2013: Chinese Americans in Boston

In 2013, over 27,000 Chinese Americans resided in Boston.

2013: Red Sox Win World Series

In 2013, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series.

2014: Religious Affiliations in Boston

According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 57% of Boston's population identified as Christians, with 25% attending Protestant churches and 29% professing Roman Catholic beliefs. 33% claimed no religious affiliation.

2014: Climate Action Plan Update Released

An updated version of Boston's climate action plan was released in 2014.

2014: International Tourists in Boston

In 2014, over 1.4 million international tourists visited Boston, with the largest numbers coming from China and the United Kingdom, excluding visitors from Canada and Mexico.

2014: Patriots Win Super Bowl XLIX

In 2014, the New England Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX.

2015: Jewish Population in the Boston Metro Area

As of 2015, the Boston metro area had a Jewish population of approximately 248,000.

2016: American Community Survey Data

From 2012 to 2016, the American Community Survey provides estimates of ancestry groups in Boston.

2016: Car ownership in Boston

In 2016, 33.8 percent of Boston households lacked a car, compared to the national average of 8.7 percent. The city averaged 0.94 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.

2016: Boston's Bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Boston briefly shouldered a bid as the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics but eventually dropped it due to public opposition.

2016: General Electric Moves Headquarters to Boston

In 2016, General Electric announced it would be moving its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to the Seaport District in Boston.

2016: Patriots Win Super Bowl LI

In 2016, the New England Patriots won Super Bowl LI.

2017: Establishment of Boston Uprising

In 2017, the Overwatch League (OWL)'s Boston Uprising was established. They were the first team to complete a perfect stage with 0 losses.

2018: Red Sox and Patriots Win Championships

In 2018, both the Boston Red Sox won the World Series and the New England Patriots won Super Bowl LIII.

2018: Significant Growth in Greater Boston's Dominican Population

In 2018, estimates showed a significant growth in the Dominican population in Greater Boston, with 150,000 individuals. Other Latino populations also grew, including Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, Mexicans, and Colombians.

2018: Patriots win Super Bowl

In 2018, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl, marking one of their championship seasons.

2018: Boston Financial Ranking

In the 2018 Global Financial Centres Index, Boston was ranked as having the 13th-most competitive financial services center in the world and the second-most competitive in the United States.

April 2019: End of The Improper Bostonian publication

In April 2019, The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, ceased publication.

July 21, 2019: Record Warm Daily Minimum Temperature

On July 21, 2019, the record warm daily minimum temperature of 83 °F (28 °C) was recorded in Boston.

September 2019: Inauguration of Boston Saves Program

In September 2019, Boston formally inaugurated Boston Saves, a program providing every child enrolled in the city's kindergarten system with a savings account containing $50 for college or career training.

2019: Climate Action Plan Anticipates Sea-Level Rise

A climate action plan from 2019 anticipates 2 ft (1 m) to more than 7 ft (2 m) of sea-level rise in Boston by the end of the 21st century.

2019: Climate Action Plan Update Released

An updated version of Boston's climate action plan was released in 2019.

2020: Boston's Population

As of the 2020 census, Boston had a population of 675,647, making it the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States after New York City and Philadelphia.

2020: Boston Census Results

In the 2020 census, Boston was estimated to have 691,531 residents living in 266,724 households.

March 2021: Kim Janey becomes Acting Mayor

Kim Janey became the Acting Mayor of Boston in March 2021, following Marty Walsh's confirmation as Secretary of Labor.

November 2021: Michelle Wu becomes Mayor

Michelle Wu became mayor of Boston in November 2021.

2021: Boston Police Department Budget Allocation

In the fiscal 2021 budget, Boston allocated $414 million to the Boston Police Department.

July 24, 2022: Last 100°F Temperature Reading

The last 100 °F (38 °C) reading occurred on July 24, 2022, in Boston.

2022: Boston Crime Statistics

In 2022, Boston reported 3,955 violent crimes and 11,514 property crimes according to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program.

February 4, 2023: Sub-Zero Temperature Reading

On February 4, 2023, Boston experienced a sub-zero temperature reading of −10 °F (−23 °C), which was the lowest temperature in the city since 1957.

2023: Boston: A Biotechnology Hub

As of 2023, Boston emerged as a global leader in higher education and research and is the largest biotechnology hub in the world.

2023: Greater Boston Metropolitan Area Population

In 2023, the Greater Boston metropolitan statistical area had a population of 4.9 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in New England and the eleventh-largest in the country.

2024: Walk Score ranking for Boston

As of 2024, Walk Score ranks Boston as the third most walkable U.S. city, with a Walk Score of 83, a Transit Score of 72, and a Bike Score of 69.

2024: Los Angeles Secures Right to Host 2028 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Los Angeles ultimately secured the right to host the 2028 Summer Olympics after Boston's bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics was dropped.

2024: Boston Fleet in Walter Cup finals

In 2024, during the inaugural PWHL playoffs, the Boston Fleet (then known as PWHL Boston) reached the Walter Cup finals but lost to the Minnesota Frost (PWHL Minnesota).